Culture Street

Theatre

Having three girls, all born in September, meant that the only possible end to our month long celebrations was a trip to the Lyric Theatre to see, OMIGOD, Legally Blonde. The boys willingly stayed home.

On arrival we followed the array of pink dresses which guided us ably to our destination. The theatre was packed with eager girls ready to see their favourite film brought to life on the stage. I was resigned to enduring a performance of girly pink confetti. Despite my misgivings as the show began it was hard to resist the flair and sheer delight of this production.

For those who have not seen the film, the plot revolves around Elle Woods, a glorious blonde, with a penchant for pink clothes and chihuahuas. She is studying ‘fashion merchandising’ at UCLA, but decides to follow her boyfriend to Harvard law school after he dumps her claiming she is not ‘serious’ enough. Studying ‘fashion merchandising’ at UCLA doesn’t really cut the mustard in his book.

Elle has a shaky start at Harvard, but soon earns her stripes after proving her exceptional ability during a murder trial. Naturally she also gets her man, although not the one she initially followed.

Lucy Durack plays ditzy blonde, Elle Woods, to perfection. David Harris is admirable in his role as Emmett. During his wardrobe change on stage you can feel the audience of girls just willing him to have a wardrobe malfunction. It didn’t happen, but you never know! Lots more shows to go. Rob Mills (Warner) is well known to most as an Australian Idol finalist and is very popular with the audience.

There is a strong supporting cast with a stand out performance from Helen Dallimore as Paulette, the down trodden hairdresser and fierce friend to Elle. Cameron Daddo has been wooed back to Sydney to play the role of Professor Callahan asserting himself well with the perfect LA accent.

This is a show where the dogs also take centre stage, a chihuahua and a bulldog; both provide a great deal of humour especially when things don’t quite go to plan.

Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s score improves as the show goes along, culminating in a high energy and entertaining second act.

It is hard not to get caught up in the geniality of the audience. The numbers are upbeat and the show good fun. The typical songs, Omigod You Guys and Bend and Snap were all well executed with brilliant choreography by Jerry Mitchell, but one of the favourites has to be Whipped Into Shape which was high energy and just spectacular. Kudos to Erika Heynatz (Brooke) who incredibly still keeps singing during and after the routine!

As far as feel good musicals go this has to be up there with the best. If you are looking for a trip out to the theatre with your daughters this holidays then I highly recommend it. Mine all want to see it a second time.

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